Warnings and Precautions With Mefenamic Acid (Cont.)

Specific Mefenamic Acid Warnings and Precautions

People taking mefenamic acid should keep the following warnings and precautions in mind:
 
To decrease the chances of developing these problems, people should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Also, call 911 or an ambulance if you notice things such as:
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Weakness
    • Slurring of speech.
 
  • All NSAIDs may cause or worsen high blood pressure. Mefenamic acid should be used with caution in people with known high blood pressure (hypertension).
     
  • All NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, may cause congestive heart failure or swelling. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexplained weight gain or swelling. Also, this medication should be used with caution in people with heart failure.
     
  • All NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, have been reported to cause problems in the stomach and intestines, including bleeding (known as gastrointestinal bleeding), stomach ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines. These problems can lead to serious complications or even loss of life. Extreme caution should be used if mefenamic acid is prescribed for people with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
To decrease the chances of developing these problems, you should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of stomach ulcers or bleeding, including:
    • Stomach pain
    • Indigestion
    • Black, tarry stools
    • Vomiting blood.
 
  • Kidney damage can occur in people taking NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid. It is more common in people with kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitor medications, and the elderly.
     
  • Liver damage can occur with people who are taking mefenamic acid. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as:
 
    • Nausea,
    • Tiredness
    • Lethargy
    • Itchy or yellowing skin
    • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
    • Flu-like symptoms.
 
  • NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, have been reported to cause allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice things such as:
 
    • Hives
    • Unexplained rash
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Swelling of the face and throat.
 
  • In rare cases, people taking mefenamic acid can develop a serious rash. If you notice an unexplained rash or blisters, fever, or itchy skin, stop taking the the medication and call your healthcare provider.
     
  • If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting mefenamic acid. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting mefenamic acid.
     
  • NSAIDs have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting mefenamic acid and 12 weeks after treatment has started.
     
  • Mefenamic acid has been known to cause anemia. If you are taking this medication for an extended amount of time and show signs of anemia, talk to your healthcare provider.
     
  • You should not take mefenamic acid with any other NSAIDs, as this may increase your risk for any of the problems discussed previously. Many NSAIDs are available with or without a prescription, so make sure to read labels carefully. A partial list of NSAIDs includes:
 
You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of these medications.
  • Mefenamic acid is a pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should take this medication only if the benefit outweighs the possible risk to your unborn child. Mefenamic acid is not recommended for women in the third trimester of pregnancy because it can cause injury (and even death) to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Ponstel and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • If you are nursing, you should not take mefenamic acid. Ask your healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or discontinue the medicine.
     
(Warnings and Precautions With Mefenamic Acid Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;